Lucas Neill, Mark Bresciano overlooked in Socceroos squad

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has followed through on his promise to experiment with new faces in the friendly match against Ecuador in London on March 5.

No less than 14 of the 23-man squad have single-digit international appearances, with four set to make their debut for the Socceroos.

Dundee United’s Curtis Good, Fortuna Dusseldorf’s Ben Halloran, Aston Villa’s Chris Herd and Swindon’s Massimo Luongo are all set to wear the green and gold for the first time at senior level as Postecoglou examines all his options ahead of this year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Some players who looked to be on the brink of international exile have also been given another chance, with Dinamo Moscow’s Luke Wilkshire, Liverpool’s Brad Jones, FC Utrecht’s Adam Sarota and Western Sydney Wanderers’ Matthew Spiranovic all given a last chance to impress.

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Jones is likely to play second fiddle to either Mitch Langerak or Matt Ryan, with Langerak perhaps favoured to get a chance given Ryan started against Costa Rica in November.

Tom Rogic has been included in the squad despite suffering an ankle injury whilst playing for Melbourne Victory, which could limit his game time at The Den.

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Postecoglou’s promise to experiment also carried an equal warning that he would not pick players who are not playing regularly. As expected, captain Lucas Neill has been omitted despite signing with English Championship club Watford this week while Mark Bresciano has been left out.

Bresciano is somewhat more of a surprise, given his importance to the Socceroos in their recent World Cup qualifying campaign and that this friendly marked his first opportunity to play a competitive match since his temporary ban for an illegal transfer kicked in late last year.

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill leads his team onto the field in November, 2013. Photo: Getty Images

Unable to play with his Qatari club Al Gharafa, he has been training with Melbourne Heart recently in a bid to keep his match fitness and is allowed to play in friendly matches.

While ex-Millwall attacker Tim Cahill is expected to lead the line at his old home ground, experienced international forwards Josh Kennedy, Brett Holman, Alex Brosque and Nikita Rukavytsya were all omitted from selection.

‘‘The squad to face Ecuador represents the first steps in what I believe is the building of the next golden generation for Australian football, acknowledging there is a need to balance experimentation and experience to achieve this,’’ Postecoglou said.

‘‘The Ecuador match gives this group of players an opportunity to stake a claim for the World Cup.”

“They have been rewarded for playing consistent and strong football and shows that age and limited international experience are not barriers to opportunity.’’

Postecoglou recalled three players - Wilkshire, Sarota and Jones - who missed his first match as Socceroos coach, a 1-0 win against Costa Rica last November.

‘‘Ecuador is a very important game for us,’’ Postecoglou said. ‘‘It’s the last game (before World Cup squad selection) and it’s a quality opponent. Ecuador made the World Cup and it will be a tough challenge for us.’’

Postecoglou must announce his preliminary World Cup squad in May.

‘‘Selection in the final squad for the World Cup is still very much an open door,’’ he said.

‘‘There were quite a few players, particularly those in Asia whose leagues are just beginning, who are still very much on the radar.

‘‘There are also a few players who are very much a part of my thinking and plans for the World Cup who are not playing.’’